It has been a beautifully hectic week!! I’m sorry for not writing sooner, but I had
to clear a path to the computers before I could. J No complaints here. It’s a joyful mess to organize.J
Since Jackson’s twelfth birthday a few weeks ago, he has
been an official member of the young men’s program at our church. This week happened to be their designated
week to go to the temple to do baptisms for the dead.
(Let me briefly explain this concept.)
There are thousands and thousands of people who lived beautiful
and worthy lives to return to live with God… according to the knowledge they had received. Who, had they received the opportunity or
full understanding of Jesus and HIS gospel, would have chosen Jesus Christ as
their personal Savior and would have followed HIS gospel and been baptized. None of us can judge or decide who received a
fullness of that opportunity while they were living in mortality here on
Earth. I believe God is so merciful that
HE has provided a way for them to receive the ordinances necessary to live with HIM forever.
I believe there is great teaching and learning about Jesus Christ
in the world of spirits after we die. Since we all must receive a baptism as
Jesus did in order to live with HIM, we are halted in our eternal progression
until we take that step. Baptisms for the dead allow everyone the opportunity
to be baptized. This means one who is
living worthily can be baptized in proxy for them. The person who has received a proxy baptism may
then accept or deny that baptism…. Sometimes we receive spiritual confirmation
of that acceptance, and sometimes we never know.
Youth have to be 12-years old and living worthily in order
to enter the temple to do this ordinance.
On Sunday, Jackson received his interview and recommend from the Bishop to
enter into the temple. I wanted him to
have this opportunity to go, but I still wasn’t sure how we would manage
getting him from our new home back to the church (an hour and 45 minutes away) in
time to go to the temple with the other youth… on moving day!!
I decided to seize the opportunity and try to make it
work! I prayed for help!
Tyson and I took a vanload full of boxes to our new house
and unloaded it as fast as we could. Abe
and his dad packed up the moving truck, and Jackson and Abe’s mom watched the
little ones back at my in-laws’ house.
I searched through and dumped several boxes finding
Jackson’s socks, shoes, and a tie for the temple.
While at our new house, I realized I didn’t have Jackson’s suit for the
temple- it was with Abe. He was driving
toward our new house while I was driving back to the old house. We met halfway off the highway. He gave me Jackson’s suit (and a kiss), and
we were off in opposite directions.
On my way to pick up Jackson, my GPS led me to take two
different nonexistent exits!! I grumbled
as I eyed the clock and had to backtrack several miles trying to find my
way. (I’m directionally challenged, so to
make my own intelligent decisions on directions doesn’t usually turn out so
well.)
I had to be back at the church with Jackson by 5:15. I
picked up Jackson, and he hurriedly dressed while I drove. We arrived at 5:16!!
Phew!! Once I got
there I lingered for a moment watching my young son join in with the older
kids. He had a sweet, humble look on his
face. I could tell he was preparing for
a very special experience. He knew where
and what he was about to do. I was so grateful that amidst the hurriedness of
moving, Jackson hadn’t forgotten what was most important.
I wasn’t going to write in my blog for a few more days until
I felt more settled in my home; but as I prayed this morning, the thought came
to me to write about Jackson’s experience in the temple. Now as I write, I know why God told me to
write….
Unlike Jackson,
amidst the hurriedness of moving, I DID forget what was most important. I haven’t been reading the scriptures with my
children, and I haven’t been doing an in-depth scripture study on my
own. (I’ve hardly taken time to shower!)
I kept saying in my mind, “Let me just get unpacked and back
on a schedule, and then we’ll get back into our scriptures.”
Oh boy have I been mistaken!! Providing
spiritual protection for myself and for my children should be part of who I am
and what I do for basic survival.
After all that I know and all that I understand, how could I
place boxes and things before God? I am
repenting and starting the day off right today.
I know for a FACT that my mind will be clearer today, and my heart will
be more joyful and ready to handle the day’s challenges. I refuse to bypass this important part of who
I am. I sure am glad when God reminds me of my mistakes, so I can be
successful! He wants us to succeed!!
Jackson returned from the temple on Tuesday night with a
beautiful smile and a glow about him. He
had been waiting for years for this night.
While I rushed around doing a final cleanup of my in-laws’ house,
Jackson kept stopping me in my scurries because he wanted to talk to me about
some of the people for whom he was baptized.
He told me he felt such a beautiful spirit. Every once in a while I would look over at
him, and his HUGE grin and shining eyes never faded. He seemed to me to be standing as a pillar of
goodness and joy amongst the rest of us in our swirling scurries. I can still see that smile and glow in my
mind. I want to be more like Jackson….
Jackson’s temple trip did much for me:
*I felt God’s hand in my life because it was definitely a
tender mercy that we arrived exactly on time for Jackson’s temple trip.
*I felt inspired to reach higher in my own life as I saw my
son as a pillar of goodness. I have that
vivid image that I want to emulate… It is certain that our lives will see more busy
days, and I want to be that pillar of goodness and joy… preoccupied with the
things of God.
*I feel grateful for forgiveness and the opportunity to try
to be better. Because the Holy Ghost
spoke to my heart to write today, I changed my perception of scripture study as
a part of who I am instead of a part of my schedule.
*And lastly, the picture I posted is of Jackson and his buddy from church. For both of them, it was their first time doing baptisms; and even though we are moving, they will be forever friends having shared this special experience together. I see two future missionaries, and I can't help but cry...
Your little boy looks so cute and proud of this big event! Very interesting and intriguing baptism for the dead is. I was wondering if none of us can judge or decide who received a fullness of the opportunity while they were living here on earth, how can you know who does or does not need to be baptized by proxy?
ReplyDeleteThank you so much. He's my oldest, and it's amazing to see him growing up. I keep asking myself how it can be that I have a 12-year old. :-)
DeleteYour question is a great one! We believe that everybody needs to receive a baptism by the priesthood authority from God. We want everybody to have that opportunity. Our church has AMAZING records of who has had which ordinances performed for them. I am only able to research my own family names. I can also submit a close friend's name if I have received permission from the closest living relative. Because I didn't do my research and get family names for my son to do, he was able to do somebody else's family names that they submitted. In other words, we can be baptized for those whom we do not know, but we can only submit the names of our own family members (or a close friend after having received permission).
We may not know until we die if our relatives have accepted their baptisms, but I have had very strong personal experiences with a couple of deceased family members when I felt their acceptance of this service. To us, it is a labor of love for our ancestors… it is turning our hearts to our fathers. :-)
Please don't hesitate to ask me more questions if I did not explain that very clearly. :-)
God bless you. Have a beautiful weekend.
Oh thanks for getting back to me! In the mean time I was able to find information about my questions here http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2012/02/16/explainer-how-and-why-do-mormons-baptize-the-dead/ but I wasn't sure how accurate it was, but it explained to me what you just did that you can get people's names through family records or other public records. It actually lead to another question which I don't know if you can answer, but what about people that there are no records for say in countries and times where there was no record. I'm thinking more like ancient times. What happens to those people? My an acquaintance of mine from my local rec center mentioned her husband was taking young adults to the temple to do baptisms for the dead. At the time I didn't ask further questions but was curious about that.
ReplyDeleteSure! I'm glad you have questions. It could be a confusing topic… but it's a topic I love dearly. :-) As far as I know the article you shared is accurate- which is a relief because many on our church are misleading to say the least. I can't speak on the 100% accuracy on the entire article, but it's good. I generally go to www.lds.org.
DeleteI definitely don't have all the answers, but I have a few answers from personal experiences. :-) Just yesterday at church a man just told me that his mother found out her father was not her biological father. She found her biological father and is now doing research down his whole line of genealogy. He shared with me some amazing stories about how she "happened" to find a relative who had pictures and a wealth of knowledge about her family history. I have heard a ton of stories about people finding their ancestors through miraculous guidance.
What about ALL the others?? We believe this temple work will continue on during the millennium when Christ is reigning perfectly. Not one will be forgotten.
As a young girl I wondered why we don't just wait to do it all then… when it would seem to be easier?? The answer I have received is that doing the work for our ancestors blesses them now, blesses us now as we open our hearts and minds to their existence and presence, and blesses us now to live worthily to do such a sacred work.
Please let me know if you have more questions.:-) I am always happy to give my perspective. God bless you. Have a beautiful day!!
Thank you again for answering. That is nice this person could find out genealogy of her biological side as well. What a great way to connect with them in that way. Where are the ancestors who have passed away? Would they be considered to be in hell? And is it the baptism that allows them to enter heaven?
DeleteSorry I didn't get back to you sooner… I have the flu :(
DeleteYou had a few more questions- I'll try to answer them for you. It's difficult to explain without being face to face, so please let me know if I'm clear. :-)
When we die we go to the Spirit World to reunite with those we love. We believe the final judgement is not until much later… until we are resurrected.
We believe ALL will be resurrected eventually, but our choices- according to our knowledge- determine where we will live for all eternity as resurrected beings.
We certainly do not believe our ancestors are waiting in hell. I believe Jesus loves them so much and so dearly that HE is providing beautiful opportunities for learning- never forcing.
We believe there is Spirit Prison and a Spirit Paradise that comes before the final judgment. At this point (before resurrection) we believe our ancestors (and many others) are still learning so much! I do not have a perfect knowledge on this; but because of my personal experiences, I believe that those who have accepted the gospel of Jesus Christ are anxiously awaiting for us to perform their baptism for them. I imagine that those who have already died see things with such a clearer perspective that they are excited to fully follow and embrace every step Jesus Christ has set for us in order to live with HIM for all eternity.
I believe the spirit paradise and spirit prison at this point refer more to a state of mind rather than actual locations. Those who have addictions and anger (for example) will continue to be imprisoned by that state of mind until they accept Jesus… even if it be in the Spirit World. I also believe the Spirits of those who have passed on are nearer to us than we could comprehend.
I hope I answered your questions, and I hope you feel comfortable asking more questions if you have them. I'm more than happy to answer them from my perspective. :-) To find the exact doctrine, I would refer you to www.lds.org. Take care! I hope you continue to read… and ask questions… :-)
I thought I’d check in to see if you had replied. I know I had a lot of questions and I’m sure you are busy. I’ve had the missionaries in my home and discussed baptism. I’ve been baptized but they said it wasn’t done by the proper authority and they discussed the fullness of the gospel. It left me and with a lot of questions and by writing to you I was hoping that I could resolve the many questions swirling in my head. I feel like I have so many so I won’t ask more at this time. Maybe with some answers you provide it will help me on my quest.
DeleteI apologize. You wrote some wonderful comments and you worded them very kindly. I could not post them simply because they were comparing Mormonism to Christianity… as if we were separate. You are right- there are many differences between several mainstream Christian churches and my church; however… We are Christians! :-) I am a very firm believer and follower of Jesus Christ. My entire life is based on my hope in Salvation based on HIS sacrifice for me.
DeleteI'm so glad you have spoken with the missionaries. I would like to answer all your questions according to my knowledge and understanding.
Your question about proper authority- priesthood: My children and I just studied about the restoration of the priesthood this morning. I believe Jesus is grateful for any sincere act which shows higher dedication and discipleship to HIM; however, I also believe that in order for the ordinance to be done correctly, baptism does need to be given by the authority only obtained by those who have the authority to give it by the laying on of hands. My son, husband, and father have a line of authority that dates back to the time of Joseph Smith who received the authority to baptize from John the Baptist himself in 1829. You may ask yourself… angels giving authority? Yes!! I believe in miracles. I believe all things are possible with God. I believe the only way to know if something is true or right is to ask God in a sincere prayer.
Most importantly I would like you to know that I believe in Jesus Christ as my Savior, Redeemer, and King. The same one of the Bible who was born to Mary and died on the cross for each and every one of us so that we too may be saved if we accept HIS sacrifice and HIS life into our lives.
Thank you so much for your questions. I know God will guide you in your quest. He loves you so very, very much. I look forward to hearing from you again.
When I gave views regarding end times and life after physical death and what it will be like, I was not questioning your belief in Jesus or whether or not you’re Christian. It kind of leaves me in an awkward position that you think that is what I was doing. Kind of like being found guilty of a crime I didn’t commit. LOL! I find the subject of end times interesting. You mentioned final judgment and so I looked up things on the LDS website you gave and from other sources online that quoted some Bible verses. I thought I was providing information, not separating two religions. Where did you see the separation?
DeleteThere are differing theories (premillennialism vs. postmillennialism vs. amillennialism) among the evangelical Christian community regarding the subject, but what theory each person believes doesn’t determine whether they believe in Jesus. Say for example someone holds the premillennialism view. Just because they hold this view it doesn’t automatically mean that person’s faith in Jesus is in question. Therefore, in writing the information I found I was going on the automatic thought your belief in Jesus was NOT in question. You felt you needed to defend your belief in Jesus when it wasn’t something I was questioning.
I believe what we know/think/theorize about the end times tribulation or what heaven is like is NOT how we gain salvation. I believe there is only one way for a person to see heaven and Jesus Christ is the one and only access to it (John 6:44, Acts 4:12, 16:30-31). I think you would agree with that based on your testimony that you believe in Jesus and follow Him. John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
I believe there are things God has told us about heaven and I think there are things He hasn’t told us. The book Revelation chapter 21 is perhaps the best description of heaven. I think what He has in store for those who place their faith in Him will be beyond anything we can imagine.
I hope that you will see that I’m not asking you questions in order to judge or question your belief in Christ, but to learn. I think the only way to learn is to ask questions. There is a quote by Thomas Aquinas, “ As a matter of honor, one man owes it to another to manifest the truth.” As I’m not familiar with Mormonism and you are Mormon I thought you would be a wonderful source in which to learn more about it.
I hope you can see my questions are being asked so that I can learn from you. I profess a faith in Jesus and label myself as Christian. I have been baptized. What would a baptism by a priesthood do for me? The missionaries who visited shared with me their beliefs and most likely did so because they want me to join Mormonism. Would it a desire or a hope of yours for me to convert to Mormonism or anyone for that matter?
I am sincerely sorry I did not correctly understand your intentions of the post I did not “publish.” I have received comments from over 50 people trying to convince me in all different manners that I am not really a Christian, and I immediately defend that belief because it is one of the most important pieces of who I am. Thousands of people read my blog, but the most important readers are my little children. I never want them to be confused by terminology that states “Christians believe … Mormons believe…” I want them to fully understand and live up to their calling to be some of Christ’s strongest warriors defending Christianity.
DeleteAs for your questions from your post that I did not publish, I will try to answer them. If I do not answer them well, I invite you to email me at mydailymiracles@gmail.com. At that time I am happy to give you my phone number, so we can talk without any misinterpretation. Again, I am sorry.
You are correct about our belief in the Celestial, Telestial, Terrestial Kingdoms, and outer darkness. However, I would not consider baptism for the dead as a “2nd Chance” because really it is a 1st chance for those who did not have a full understanding of the gospel presented to them while in a physical body on Earth. I know that other religions believe that God gives EVERYONE an opportunity to fully understand Jesus and then choose to accept or deny HIM while in the body on Earth, but I disagree. I certainly am not the one to decide who has or has not had a full understanding. In the Old Testament, Moses taught a lower law of obedience (eye for an eye, etc.) because the people did not have a full understanding of Christ’s higher law yet.
I was raised in a loving home with wonderful parents who taught me to trust and believe in Jesus Christ. Many homes are not like that. I was a foster parent to 8 children. We all know that many children are not raised in homes that are loving and Christ-centered. Some children (in the word’s eyes) may be living lives of failure; however, in God’s eyes they are living the best lives they can with the knowledge they have been given about life. Some… and it pains me to even talk about this… some are even killed by their parents before they ever have an opportunity to choose God in their lives. God loves them. Whether baptized while on Earth in their mortal body or by proxy in the Spirit World, they will have a chance to fully understand their need to trust and believe in Jesus Christ. Because we all need to be baptized just as Jesus was baptized, these children (and all who have not had the opportunity) will have that opportunity to choose to accept their baptism.
We will be judged by the lives we lead here on Earth according to our knowledge, but I believe all of us will have opportunities in the Spirit World to continue to learn and to grow in our understanding of what Jesus has done for each of us. Everyone will have an opportunity to be saved, but everyone will definitely NOT be saved. None of us will be forced to choose Jesus. Strange as it may seem to us who love Jesus so passionately, some will still not choose HIM even after having an
understanding of HIM. Many do not choose HIM now even though they have a full understanding of HIM.
DeleteWhile Jesus hung on the cross, in Luke 23:39-43, he said:
“And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.
But the other answered him rebuking him, saying, Does not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?
And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man (the Christ) hath done nothing amiss.
And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest unto thy kingdom.
And Jesus said unto him, Verily, I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.”
I believe the man began his journey to Christ while he hung on the cross beside his Savior. I believe he continued that journey in the Spirit World. We believe Christ went to the world of Spirits to teach. I believe that those who have knowledge of HIS gospel also aid in that teaching.
You asked me what I believe “the gospel” is. I don’t think there will be “Mormons” or “Baptists” or “Catholics” in Heaven. I believe it will simply be the correct teachings of Jesus Christ. I believe there are certain basic truths that we need to learn and understand about Jesus and HIS Kingdom. Those who receive the ordinances necessary and accept those truths will be in Heaven (or as we call it the Celestial Kingdom).
You asked me what I believe baptisms for the dead do for those who have passed on. I believe that if those who have passed on have continued their learning about Jesus and HIS gospel and have accepted it with all their hearts, then that baptism by proxy does for them what it does for us when we are baptized… we REJOICE!!
In John 3:5 it says,
“Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”
I believe some have been waiting for a very long time for somebody to do their work, and they are REJOICING that their time has come.
DeleteYou asked me where the people are who have accepted the gospel. I do not know. I have some thoughts… maybe they are busy helping their descendants come to Christ. I have a sister who has passed away, and I am grateful for her continued influence in my life.
You asked me what I enjoy about Mormonism. Where do I begin? Thank you for giving me an opportunity to ponder on that question. My greatest joy is watching my children follow Jesus Christ and stand tall in their faith living with kindness because of the teachings they receive in our home and at church. I enjoy hearing my children tell their friends (with confidence) that they belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I especially enjoy knowing I am married to my husband for all of Eternity because of our sealing ceremony in the temple. I am forever grateful that I never feel alone because I feel my Savior, Jesus Christ in my daily life. I talk to HIM all throughout my day. I tell HIM of my worries and my concerns. I tell HIM of my joys and my dreams. I love knowing that I have a Father in Heaven. I am grateful to have an understanding of the Plan of Salvation- the flow chart you spoke of. I enjoy the comfort of living prophets guiding our church. I enjoy reading the Bible and the Book of Mormon.
You asked me what a baptism by someone with the priesthood would do for you. A baptism by the power of the priesthood would open the doors to the Kingdom of Heaven. You obviously have a great love for God. HE knows you love HIM. HE knows your previous baptism was a beautiful way for you to show your devotion to HIM, and I believe your faith in HIM and your choice to be baptized pleases HIM greatly. I also believe God is one of order, and there are certain ordinances that must be done a certain way. That is why Jesus sought out John the Baptist. It was not enough to be baptized by one of HIS other righteous followers. It had to be John the Baptist because he had the priesthood authority to do so.
You asked me if it would be a desire or a hope of mine for you or anyone else to convert to Mormonism. I write in my blog so that others can come to Christ. That is my greatest desire. There are LOTS of friends of mine who are not members of my church who read my blog. I am overjoyed and fall on my knees in prayer when they tell me they are seeing Christ in their lives more because of my blog. I do not take credit for that. I believe the Holy Ghost is testifying to their hearts that Jesus Christ is their Savior when I bear testimony of HIS hand in my life. It is my belief that one can know Christ and HIS gospel more fully by understanding and following the teachings of my church… or else I would not be teaching my own children these teachings. If you read any of my experiences and feel closer to Jesus Christ, I am grateful. If you read any of my experiences and feel a desire to know more about my church, I am also grateful because I believe the things that I write to be true. I do not receive money for sharing my testimony. I feel God telling me to write how HE is in my life, so I write….
I hope I answered your questions. I’m happy to answer more. Like I said before, I am also happy to talk to you on the phone… I’ll be praying for you. We all need prayers. ☺
That was supposed to be a smiley face at the end of my last comment…. because we all need prayers. :-) Take care!
DeleteThank you for replying and I’m glad the confusion over my intentions was cleared up. ☺ I’ve taken a while to get back with you because I had more questions, but didn’t want to take too much of your time so I referred to website you gave me and it has taken a bit of time to read over the information I found. I tried my best to locate answers, but I hope you will bear with me the couple I do have.
DeleteI wanted to understand what you said about how we all need to be baptized just as Jesus was baptized (John 3:5). I went on the lds.org website and found quite a few other references regarding baptism. This Bible scripture and the Book of Mormon scripture say I need to repent, believe Christ is my savior and be baptized all of which I have done. The missing piece to the order of things seems to be being baptized by the proper authority. Is this baptism by one having authority essential to forgiveness and salvation and entrance to the kingdom of heaven? You said by having the proper authority baptism that it would open the doors to the Kingdom of Heaven for me. Do you believe those doors are closed to me now? Do you believe salvation is obtained only through the LDS church and its baptism by proper authority?
Can you tell me why was Jesus baptized?
I was still unclear as to what you believe “the gospel” is. I should have phrased it “the gospel of Jesus Christ”. I believe there will be no labels such as Catholic, Baptist, etc., in heaven as you do. What I understand about the gospel of Jesus Christ, is as 1 Corinthians 15:1–4 says which summarized says, that the man Jesus Christ is also God, and died on a cross in our place, paying the penalty for our sins; three days later He rose to conquer sin and death and give the gift of salvation to all who believe in Him for eternal life. Lds.org has been a wonderful resource for me to find out the answers to the questions I’ve asked you. I was able to find here https://www.lds.org/manual/the-gospel/the-gospel?lang=eng, the answer to the question I asked you about the gospel.
Thanks again for your response and for sharing with me your beliefs.
I know that you know that things of a spiritual nature must be prayed about, so I hope that you will also pray about your questions so that you can receive the answers you are seeking both in your mind and in your heart.
DeleteYou asked me why Jesus was baptized…
Among many wonderful scriptures in the Bible, my favorite scripture about why Jesus was baptized is in The Book of Mormon.
2 Nephi 31 5-7
5) “And now, if the Lamb of God, he being holy, should have need to be baptized by water, to fulfill all righteousness, O then, how much more need have we, being unholy, to be baptized, yea, even by water!
6) And now, I would ask of you, my beloved brethren, wherein the Lamb of God did fulfil all righteousness in being baptized by water?
7) Know ye not that he was holy? But notwithstanding he being holy, he showeth unto the children of men that, according to the flesh he humbleth himself before the Father, and witnesseth unto the Father that he would be OBEDIENT unto him in keeping his commandments.”
I love this scripture! I know you have been baptized, and so you understand our need to be obedient unto God’s commandment. Jesus set the perfect example in all things for the way that we should live.
Your next questions: “Is this baptism by one having authority essential to forgiveness and salvation and entrance to the kingdom of heaven? You said by having the proper authority baptism that it would open the doors to the Kingdom of Heaven for me. Do you believe those doors are closed to me now? Do you believe salvation is obtained only through the LDS church and its baptism by proper authority?”
DeleteI have said this before, and I say it again with the utmost sincerity… I believe God values your faithful act of commitment to repent, accept HIM as your Savior, and to be baptized by water.
I would never even begin to say for whom those doors of Heaven are opened and for whom they are closed. The final judgment is not yet upon us, and only God is our Judge.
I do know, however, that our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, sought out John the Baptist because he was given the gift from God to be able to baptize. I believe that gift was the priesthood power that can only be given by God. No university- no college can grant that power. I do believe that in order to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, we need be baptized by the same priesthood power that John the Baptized held. I also believe that the LDS church is the only church that has God’s priesthood power or proper authority - it was given to Joseph Smith directly from John the Baptist in 1829.
These are things that cannot be proven. One can only receive answers to the truthfulness of what I share by earnest and sincere prayer. I believe Salvation is not obtained by only one act of baptism- even if it is by the correct authority. After we are baptized by proper priesthood authority, we are given the opportunity to receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands (which is the baptism of the Holy Ghost). This is also a necessary part of our progression to return to our Heavenly Father…. continued faithfulness and complete trust in Jesus is also key to our Salvation.
I opened my Bible this morning and started to read in the book of John. At the time, I wasn't even thinking about your question of baptism, but I turned directly to these scriptures, and I felt impressed to share them with you.
John: 1: 6-8, 26, 32-37
6) “There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
7) The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.
8) He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
26) John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not;
32) And John bare record, saying I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him.
33) And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.
34) And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.
35) Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples;
36) And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!
37) And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.”
I wish I knew who you were, but I thank you for the opportunity to share my beliefs. I am happy to answer your questions, and I appreciate the kindness with which you write. God bless you. My prayers are with you.
I’m not sure why you haven’t answered my question, but given the previous time I think you were offended by the question I asked? I hope that you understand the sincerity of my questions and that I truly want to understand. I obviously don’t know you but I can see by your writings you are very sincere in your faith and I can see the devotion you have to teaching it to your children. One verse that I always find helpful in any situations when speaking truth is this: “But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ” Ephesians 4:15. I want you to know that I want to know what you have to say and that you can speak the truth of what you believe.
DeleteI also wanted to let you know that I have been praying about the questions I ask. Whenever I pray for answers I follow this verse in seeking answers of a spiritual nature. “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” (Acts 17:11). This verse is speaking about how the Berean people took it upon themselves to read and search the writings of the Old Testament, to see whether the things concerning the Messiah stated by Paul and Silas were in agreement with Old Testament scripture. I believe those that read and receive the scriptures must search them (John 5:39). I’ve heard it said that some have no confidence of settling a question (of spiritual nature) by an appeal to the Bible. I believe anything of spiritual nature should be searched. So I hope you will see that by asking you questions I am gaining more understanding about what you believe.
Since you did not respond I decided to increase my study on my own on the matter to find the answer. I wondered what your thoughts were on this video of two missionaries sharing what we need to do to do to attain the Celestial kingdom. I think it was concise and very helpful in furthering my understanding, because they are answering the exact question I’ve asked you (how to you get to the Celestial Kingdom). Here is a link here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=67vO6mq9E2o it was from InZionTV channel. One of the missionaries says, “If we don’t follow all the commandments there’s no guarantee of what’s going to happen to us.” However, he explains if people try really hard but still fail due to weakness, “I know the atonement of Jesus Christ will kick in and help us actually get that passage to a better place.” I wasn’t sure how reliable this video was so maybe you could let me know if these young men were speaking truth about your faith.
You have been so kind in sharing and helping me to understand. I was wondering if you had any questions about my faith that you would like me to share with you?
Again, thank you for your time!
Dear Anonymous,
DeleteI'm grateful you have taken the time to pray, ponder, and study the questions that you have.
All that I write is done with complete honesty with the knowledge that I have received from my own personal study, prayer, and inspiration.
The video of the missionaries seems pretty accurate. I watched while my children were hanging on my neck. :-)
As you have requested, I will try to be more straightforward...
Yes- we do need to be baptized by the correct authority to enter into the Kingdom of God. I did not answer your question if the doors of Heaven are closed to you now because the final judgment is not yet upon us. As I said before, I will not even begin to place myself in a position to judge where you will be... you have not yet made all the choices in your life. I do not hide behind the fact that you will need a baptism by immersion by the proper priesthood authority in order to enter into the Celestial Kingdom. I believe that authority is only in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Baptism is not enough, however.
I am baptized by the correct authority, but that does not mean I lie back, kick my legs up, and call it good. I must continue to serve my Savior, Jesus Christ by doing my best to live HIS laws. I am not perfect. I am eternally grateful for Jesus' infinite atonement and sacrifice because HIS sacrifice makes up the difference where I lack... We are asked to give our very best... only God can judge what my best is.
Thank you for your sincerity. I have not asked much about you or your faith because you are listed as anonymous... I do not know if you are even a man or a woman... where you live... if you have a family... etc.
If you would like to share more about yourself, I welcome you to my email... mydailymiracles@gmail.com.
I have been reading a book called, "Jesus the Christ" by James E. Talmage. It is a deep read but very clear about the divinity of Jesus Christ and HIS mission. I bear strong testimony that Jesus is our King, our Redeemer, our God, our best Friend. He is our All. I am grateful beyond words for the gift of knowing Him more each day as I apply more faith in Him. I also bear strong testimony that HE came to Earth to do the will of our Father... our Heavenly Father. What a beautiful relationship that is.
I have so much to learn, and I'm grateful for every opportunity for growth.
I pray you will receive the answers to ALL your prayers. God bless you.
YAY!! I'm so happy Jackson was able to attend the temple. It is definitely a special place to be. We try to give our youth 5 opportunities a year to attend the temple, my children have been lucky enough to go each time. I know that their testimonies are strengthened each time they go.
ReplyDeleteI love hearing about faithful families across the nation building testimonies in these young souls. I vividly remember sacrificing a trip to watch "Les Mis" live on stage so that I could go to on a youth temple trip. (Our temple was over 5 hours away.) That sacrifice meant so much to me that it made my testimony grow even stronger. God bless your beautiful family.
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